Ark-La-Tex Could Do Better at Providing Quality Life for Families

Starting a family is a big decision. Finding a great place to raise that family is equally as big.

I don't have kids yet, but one day my husband and I do plan on starting a family. As we get closer to that time in our lives, we have started asking ourselves these really adult-like questions. Questions like where should our kids go to school, where will they get the most opportunities to pursue their passions, will I feel safe with my kids playing in this neighborhood.

It's a lot to think about.

Recently, Wallethub looked to answer some of those questions, at least on a state level. The information they collected was compiled in a list of the "Best States to Raise a Family." They took into account everything including median family salary, housing affordability, unemployment rate, childcare costs, divorce rate, crime, etc.

Two Ark-La-Tex states ranked less than favorably.

Arkansas and Louisiana landed in the bottom 10. Arkansas ranked at number 43 and Louisiana found itself at number 46. Texas, on the other hand, landed at number 20. It wasn't all bad news though. In fact, Louisiana actually scored well when it came to childcare costs, boasting some the lowest numbers in the nation.